Evaluation of the Physiological Responses and Energy Expenditure Induced by Suspension Training Exercises.

Abstract: Chatzikamagianni, E, Poulios, A, Avloniti, A, Rosvoglou, A, Liakou, C, Papanikolaou, K, Stampoulis, T, Tsimeas, P, Batrakoulis, A, Chatzinikolaou, A, Draganidis, D, Jamurtas, AZ, and Fatouros, IG. Evaluation of the physiological responses and energy expenditure induced by suspension training exercises. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-This study determined the energy expenditure and physiological responses of 6 beneficial suspension training (ST) exercises (overheads [OS], single-leg squat [SLS], torso rotations [TR], back row [BR], chest press [CP], and plank). Ten healthy young adults randomly completed both of 2 trials of ST exercises, for 30 (T30) or 45 (T45) seconds. The training load was monitored using a mobile gas analyzer, heart rate monitors, and blood lactate measurements. The total energy expenditure (TEE) (classified as the sum of oxidative [OES], glycolytic [GC], and excess postexercise energy cost [EPOC]) was estimated using the V̇o2 consumption (at rest, during exercise, and postexercise) and blood lactate (La) concentration (at rest and postexercise). The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. All exercises were associated with a low-to-moderate physiological strain (rate of perceived exertion: 7.3-12.3; % of maximal heart rate: 52.3-61.7%; METs: 2.6-3.7; La: 2.2-3.9 mM; EPOC duration: 5.7-7.8 minutes), with the OS and the SLS associated with the greatest physiological/metabolic load in both trials. T45 induced a greater heart rate (53.7-61.7 %HRmax), with SLS and OS inducing the highest values. Minimal differences were noted between T30 and T45 for TEE, MET, and La values for most. EPOC had a greater contribution to TEE compared with OES and GC. Low-to moderate physiological effort during ST results in a TEE of 16.6-24.7 and 20.1-30 kcal·min-1 when performed for 30 and 45 seconds, respectively. There is a variation in TEE and physiological overload among ST exercises. Weight management exercise programs and dietary regimens need to take these finding into account.